In this review, we will be comparing Velodyne MiniVee X and DB4S, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Velodyne and Bowers Wilkins. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Velodyne MiniVee X and B&W DB4S first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Velodyne MiniVee X and B&W DB4S compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both Velodyne MiniVee Xand B&W DB4S have a single woofer setup however the Velodyne MiniVee X's woofer is 8-inch whereas the B&W DB4S features a 10-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Velodyne MiniVee X has a frequency range of 32-180 Hz whereas DB4S has a frequency range of 10-350 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 10Hz, the DB4S can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Velodyne MiniVee X's min frequency of 32Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Velodyne MiniVee X's and B&W DB4S's external dimensions. Velodyne MiniVee X has external dimensions of 300 x 290 x 290 mm ( ) whereas B&W DB4S has external dimensions of 375.0 x 362.0 x 434.0mm ( 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch) .
B&W DB4S is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 72mm wider, 75mm taller and 144mm deeper than Velodyne MiniVee X.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Velodyne MiniVee X is approximately 841.0cm2 / 130.4inch2 and base area of the B&W DB4S is approximately 1571.1cm2 / 243.5inch2. The Velodyne MiniVee X requires 46% less surface area than the DB4S which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The Velodyne MiniVee X weighs 15.00kg / 33lbs and the B&W DB4S weighs 26.05kg / 57.3lbs. This makes the DB4S 74% heavier than the Velodyne MiniVee X.
Here is a comparison of how Velodyne MiniVee X and DB4S's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
 Passive Radiator |
8" passive radiator, force-cancelling
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
300mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
841cm2
vs
1571cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1299USD
vs
2199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
10 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
350k Hz
vs
180k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Velodyne MiniVee X |
Bowers & Wilkins DB4S |
| Brand |
Velodyne |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Frequency Response |
32-180 Hz |
10-350 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
350-watt RMS |
0-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
800-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Aerofoil |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
300.0mm (11.8") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
290.0mm (11.4") |
362.0mm (14.3") |
| Depth |
290.0mm (11.4") |
434.0mm (17.1") |
| Weight |
15.00kg (33lbs) |
26.05kg (57.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
High-gloss black, high-gloss white, or transparent acrylic |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
High-gloss black, high-gloss white, transparent acrylic (limited edition) |
n/a |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| USB Port |
5V/1A, powers the Wi-Connect II receiver only |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |